U-T NFL MOCK DRAFT 2013
SITUATION: FLUID

Chargers could go in any direction with 11th pick in first round of April’s NFL Draft

Kansas City trading for former No. 1 overall selection Alex Smith settled the draft’s biggest question. There will not be a quarterback selected at the top of this draft.

Now everyone is wondering whether there will be a signal caller selected in the Top 10. It’s probable, but after that we likely won’t see another one taken until Day 2.

The Chargers have been No. 11 on the clock since their season ended in December. It appears prospects that would be slam dunks — and fill their needs — are climbing too high.

Tackle Eric Fisher is now challenging Luke Joeckel for the possible top spot, and guard Chance Warmack is considered one of this draft’s few “can’t miss” players.

The Chargers’ situation is definitely a fluid one. Everything appears on the table: an offensive lineman, cornerback or even a trade. New GM Tom Telesco has his work cut out for him.

The 2013 draft class is very deep but is lacking elite prospects at the skill positions. This will play into Telesco’s favor.

The selection order is official and is based on won/loss records along with various tiebreakers in the NFL. Here’s our latest version of the 2013 NFL Mock Draft through four rounds, sans compensatory picks. There are changes throughout. Happy mocking.

1. Kansas City (2-14) — Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M, Jr.

Trading for Alex Smith will enable the Chiefs to take the best player available. That player is Joeckel. His performance against Alabama and LSU cemented him as the top offensive lineman in this draft. Don’t count out Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei here either if it turns out his heart condition is not a worry. Top needs: QB, DL, OL, WR.

2. Jacksonville (2-14) — Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia, Jr.

Jones’ health has been an issue in the past — he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis in 2009 — but when he’s on the field, he showcases the same attributes that make Von Miller nearly unstoppable. Top needs: LB, QB.

3. Oakland (4-12) — Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida, Jr.

With an aging and ineffective defensive line, this pick is a no-brainer for the Raiders. Some scouts have made comparisons to Hall of Famer Warren Sapp. Top needs: QB, LB, CB, DL.

4. Philadelphia (4-12) — Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama, Jr.

A cornerback hasn’t been drafted this high since Charles Woodson in 1998, but Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie were huge disappointments in 2012. Top needs: OL, DL, CB.

5. Detroit (4-12) — Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan, Sr.

With Jeff Backus possibly retiring and Gosder Cherilus hitting free agency, a right tackle — and future left tackle — is needed if Riley Reiff takes over for Cherilus or moves inside. Top needs: CB, OL.

6. Cleveland (5-11) — Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon, Sr.

The Browns need a dominant pass rusher even more than they need a quarterback. Jordan is a true freak with ridiculous athleticism. Top needs: OL, LB, WR, DL.